Christmas in Greer City of Greer

By Lindsey Shaffer, City of Greer

Calling all gingerbread house builders! The City of Greer’s Cultural Arts Division organizes a gingerbread house competition each year at the Center for the Arts. Entries are submitted the week after Thanksgiving and are on display for public viewing during gallery hours.

Entries are divided into three categories: Adult (Age 16+), Youth (Ages 5-15), and Family/ Group (any size and age combination). Prizes are awarded to the top three submissions in each category. Prize amounts start at $20 and go up to the Grand Prize of $200.

Category winners are announced at the Gingerbread Jamboree event, which also includes live music and a visit from Santa. All entries remain on display for the next week.

Each year, the City of Greer hosts the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Greer City Park. The event kicks off a weekend full of events. While attendees wait for the countdown to light the tree, the park is filled with performances, free crafts, activities, roaming carolers, and a s’mores station.

Back again for the second year was a live ice sculpting demonstration. Attendees gathered at the amphitheater to watch the wonder of a block of ice being formed into a sleigh with gifts. “The holidays are all about creating magical moments,” Events Supervisor Robbie Davis said. “What better way to add some extra excitement to our Christmas Tree Lighting than with a mesmerizing ice sculpting demonstration on the big stage?”

While attendees wait for the countdown to light the tree, the park is filled with performances, free crafts, activities, roaming carolers, and a s’mores station.

The demonstration was not only entertaining, but also educational. The sculptor explained the process step-by-step, which tools to use, and the importance of proper safety gear. Upon completion, the sculpture provided a great photo opportunity for families. “We partnered with Ice Age of Greenville, a renowned ice sculpting company, knowing they would deliver a top-notch performance. The interactive experience of getting sprayed with ice and water added an element of fun and surprise for our audience, making it a truly unforgettable event,” Davis said.

Included in the weekend event line-up is Breakfast with Santa, which provides an opportunity for the community to make festive crafts, enjoy a meal from a local restaurant, and spend time with Santa and get a professional picture taken. The event is divided into three, one hour sessions to allow for more opportunities to enjoy the event and allows families to choose a timeframe that works best for them.

City of Greer employees and their families can enjoy crafts and dinner at Supper with Santa, which takes place in conjunction with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. All proceeds from ticket sales goes to Cops for Tots, a program that helps supply presents to underprivileged families. Cops for Tots is an annual program organized by the Greer Police Department. n